Brown declines to answer

Patriots WR talks to media but won't address accusations

Patriots receiver Antonio Brown declined to answer questions about allegations of sexual assault and rape against him and says he's keeping his focus on football.

Brown answered only four questions at his locker on Thursday in an interview that lasted just over a minute. It was his first interview with reporters since agreeing to a deal with the Patriots on Sept. 7.

He twice declined to answer questions about the civil case filed against him in South Florida by former trainer Britney Taylor, who claims Brown sexually assaulted her on three occasions, including rape, in 2017 and 2018. He also declined to say whether he's heard from the league about the allegations.

He has previously denied the allegations by Taylor.

Sports Illustrated also reported this week that a second unidentified woman has alleged that Brown exposed himself to her while she was working on a mural for him at his Pittsburgh home in 2017. Brown has also denied that allegation.

Asked if he was currently in good standing with the league and available to play on Sunday when New England hosts the New York Jets, Brown responded that he was "super grateful to be here to play for Bill Belichick and Tom Brady."

"I got a lot of the offense to learn and catch up on," he continued. "But I'm excited and grateful to be here and be a part of these guys."

Asked a final time if he's heard anything from the NFL about his availability, Brown said, "I appreciate that question. I'm just here to focus on ball and look forward to get getting out there and playing and being with the team."

Two people with knowledge of the investigation into Brown told The Associated Press that one of the accusers has met with NFL investigators and that there is no timetable for concluding the probe.

Jets: Jamal Adams is throwing a penalty flag on the NFL. The New York safety is appealing his fine from the league for a roughing the passer call against Cleveland, and said officials later acknowledged they made a mistake. "What's funny is that after the game, those guys came to the coaching staff and apologized for that call," Adams said Thursday. "But at the same time, those guys have a tough situation, in tough situations like that, as far as calling certain calls. It's very tough for me to get mad at them because they have a tough job at hand, too."

Dolphins: Desperate for help, Miami is turning to Josh Rosen. The second-year pro will replace Ryan Fitzpatrick this week as the starting quarterback and try to jump-start a team that has been outscored 102-10 in the first two games. A person familiar with the decision by rookie coach Brian Flores confirmed the change.